The “BB” Club (Beverage-Bonding)
Jean Bundas
[The Fellowship of the Believers] They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. (Acts 2:42 NIV)
“Always offer your guests a hot beverage,” my senior pastor’s wife said. “There is something about spending time together and sharing a cup of coffee or tea that creates a special bond.”
Even though I thought it silly at the time, those words stuck with me over the years. I have even passed them on to others, although my way of sharing is not quite as eloquent as hers. My way of sharing this awesome tidbit of wisdom sounds more like this: (Tap spoon on side of teacup) “Attention everyone” (spoken in my best English accent). “It’s time to bond. Pinkies up. Let us drink together.” Part of this bonding experience is that every one is required to speak in an English accent, no matter how awful their impersonation skills are.
The funny thing is… she was right. There is something special about sharing a time of fellowship with a friend over a beverage.
Years ago, I hated the taste of coffee. I learned to enjoy it while on a missions trip to Romania. A special friend of mine forced me to share a hot beverage with her. She pulled out a can of flavored instant coffee and made us each a cup. We sat in her tiny living room and drank our coffee and shared our hearts. We spoke of our struggles, our victories and our desires. We laughed. We cried. We prayed together.
Since then, I have shared many bonding beverages with close friends, and with many who have become close friends since then. I refer to these times as “making a memory,” creating a snapshot in the corners of my mind.
True friends are a treasure, a gift from God. I am blessed to have many. However, it was not always this way.
For many years, I would find myself in the midst of a group of women but feeling very alone.
“You just don’t fit in,” the voice in my head would tell me.
“Lord, please send me a special friend,” I prayed.
To have a friend, you must be a friend.
These words caught me by surprise. I always thought I was friendly enough. I challenged myself with this thought: “How could I be a better friend?”
It is easy to create excuses that keep us isolated. I made a decision at that point to reach out to others, instead of waiting for others to reach out to me. In doing so, it is amazing how many others you hear of who are struggling with the same fears and insecurities.
Fellowship is an important part of life and most definitely an important part of Christianity. We need godly people in our lives! Take a moment and grab a hot beverage with me – let’s walk together in this bonding beverage experience!
Heavenly Father, thank You for our sister branches in Christ Jesus. Help us to lift one another up and not tear one another down. Help us to step out of our comfort zone and learn to be friendly, not only to those who are easy to love, but to all of your children. Amen.
Ask God to show you someone who needs a friend and how you can reach out to them. Call up a good friend and share a “beverage-bonding, memory-making moment.” Take time to let this person know how much you appreciate them. You will be glad you did!